Josephus' Interpretation of the Books of Samuel - (Library of Second Temple Studies) by Michael Avioz (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Since the seventies, no study has examined the methodologies of Josephus' rewriting of an entire biblical book as part of his Judean Antiquities. This book attempts to fill this vacuum by exploring Josephus' adaptation of the book of Samuel, penetrating the exegetical strategies he employs to modify the biblical stories for his intended audience. Through meticulous comparison of the biblical narrative and Josephus' Antiquities, broader issues - such as Josephus' attitude towards monarchy and women - gradually come to light, challenging long-held assumptions. This definitive exploration of Josephus' rewriting of Samuel illuminates the encounter between two ancient texts and its relevance to scholarly discourse today"--

Book Synopsis

Since the seventies, no study has examined the methodologies of Josephus' rewriting of an entire biblical book as part of his Judean Antiquities. This book attempts to fill this vacuum by exploring Josephus' adaptation of the books of Samuel, penetrating the exegetical strategies he employs to modify the biblical stories for his intended audience. Through meticulous comparison of the biblical narrative and Josephus' Antiquities, broader issues - such as Josephus' attitude towards monarchy and women - gradually come to light, challenging long-held assumptions. This definitive exploration of Josephus' rewriting of Samuel illuminates the encounter between the ancient texts and its relevance to scholarly discourse today.

Review Quotes

"Josephus' Interpretation of the Books of Samuel makes a significant and unique contribution to Josephus scholarship as well as to the history of Jewish biblical exegesis and the history of biblical interpretation more broadly... Avioz's careful and perspicacious study has brought to light valuable insights into Josephus's method of biblical exegesis, grounded upon numerous concrete examples from the books of Samuel. Avioz's volume is a remarkable and lucid work of cutting-edge Josephus scholarship." - Society of Biblical Literature

About the Author

Michael Avioz is an associate professor teaching at the department of Bible at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. Dr. Avioz is the author of two books and numerous scholarly articles. His books include Nathan's Oracle (2 Samuel 7) and Its Interpreters (2005) and I Sat Alone: Jeremiah among the Prophets (2009). In recent years he has been working on Josephus' interpretation of the Hebrew Bible.